And you thought Jaromir Jagr had stamina.
Jan Loos is celebrating his 85th birthday today, and on Saturday he’ll celebrate a Guinness world record, according to QMI Agency’s Morris Dalla Costa, who reported this awesome Christmas story.
When Loos takes his first strides at London, Ont.’s Western Fair Sports Centre this weekend, he will officially become the oldest man to play in a competitive hockey game.
Really, it’s just a formality, as Loos has been playing defence for Team 5 in the Huff N Puff League for years. Except this time the folks from the Guinness Book of World Records will be on hand and a 78-year-old guy from the Netherlands will lose his crown.
What a birthday gift.
Loos’ daughter, Jodie Brazeau, arranged for the Guinness officials to be present, and former NHL referee Don Van Massenhoven will make sure the game meets proper specifications.
(Loos plays three 80-minute games a week in a old-old-timers league filled with players that could contend for the record.
“You forget that he’s 85 when you see him play,” teammate Gary Hardman told QMI. “He can skate.”
Loos was born in Holland and moved to Canada when he was 26.
“I used to be pretty good when I first started, now I’m out for the skate,” Loos said. “My motto is, don’t get old, get older. Stay in shape and you live a lot longer and happier.”
